DUTCH EDUCATION SYSTEM
Thứ Hai - 15/12/2025
Education in the Netherlands is organized according to age groups and, in some cases, by levels and tracks tailored to different educational needs. Overall, Dutch schools fall into three main categories: public schools, private schools, and religious schools.
Compulsory education in the Netherlands begins at age 5, although in practice most schools accept children from age 4. From the age of 16, students must participate in some form of education at least two days per week. Compulsory education ends when a student turns 18, or when they obtain their secondary school diploma.
The Dutch education system consists of the following levels:
- Primary Education
Primary education admits children between 4 and 12 years old, covering a total of 8 grades. Attendance is not compulsory until Grade 2, but most children begin school at age 4. From Grade 3 onward, students begin learning reading, writing, and mathematics. Most primary schools introduce English in Grades 7 and 8. In Grade 8, students take an assessment test (such as the Cito test), which helps determine the most suitable type of secondary education. Most primary schools are public, though a smaller number follow specialized curricula.
- Secondary Education
After completing primary school, students transition directly into secondary education. Based on the results of the Cito test and teacher recommendations, students may enter VMBO, HAVO, or VWO.
Because the Dutch system does not include a separate lower secondary level, the first year of secondary education serves as a bridging or foundation year, helping students adjust to differences between school types and increasing their academic responsibility.
- VMBO (Preparatory Middle-Level Vocational Education): VMBO education lasts 4 years, from ages 12 to 16. It combines vocational training with theoretical subjects such as languages, mathematics, history, arts, and science. About 60% of students in the Netherlands follow this track, which offers four different learning levels.
- HAVO (Senior General Secondary Education): The HAVO program consists of 5 years of study, from ages 12 to 17. HAVO graduates may continue to HBO (Universities of Applied Sciences).
- VWO (Pre-University Education): VWO includes 6 years of study, from ages 12 to 18. VWO graduates are eligible to enter WO (Research Universities).
- VAVO (Adult General Secondary Education): VAVO provides VMBO/MAVO, HAVO, or VWO-level programs for students who are unable to complete their studies in the regular secondary education system.
- Higher and Postgraduate Education
Higher education in the Netherlands consists of two main types of institutions:
- Universities of Applied Sciences (HBO): These institutions offer practice-oriented, professional programs. They include: comprehensive applied sciences universities and specialized institutions focusing on agriculture, fine arts, design, education, and more.
- Research Universities (WO): These institutions include: general research universities, technical universities, agricultural universities.
Both types of institutions offer Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programs, but the focus differs: HBO emphasizes professional skills and applied learning while WO emphasizes academic research and theoretical study.
For tailored guidance and full assistance throughout your study-abroad journey, please contact:
Duc Anh EduConnect
Hotline: 09887 09698
Email: duhoc@ducanh.edu.vn
Website: www.ducanhduhoc.vn
Bài viết liên quan
Trường trung học Aranmore Catholic College tại TP Perth, Úc
. Tại Aranmore Catholic College, chúng tôi tin vào phẩm giá vốn có của mỗi cá nhân. Trường đã có 120 năm cung cấp nền giáo dục toàn diện, chú…
HỌC MBA TẠI ÚC
Quản trị kinh doanh luôn là lĩnh vực được du học sinh quan tâm nhiều nhất và cũng là ngành học có lượng sinh viên đông đảo ở nhiều quốc…
NHỮNG ĐIỀU THÚ VỊ VÀO MÙA XUÂN Ở PERTH KHIẾN DU HỌC SINH MÊ MẨN
Trong một vài năm trở lại đây, Perth nổi lên trong cộng đồng du học như một “Miền đất hứa”, tuy mới nhưng đầy triển vọng và nhiều ưu ái…
PTE Academic chính thức được Bộ Giáo dục và Đào tạo Việt Nam công nhận, mở ra cơ hội mới cho sinh viên Việt Nam
Tin vui cho các bạn học sinh, sinh viên Việt Nam! Bộ Giáo dục và Đào tạo Việt Nam đã chính thức công nhận chứng chỉ Pearson Test of English…
CHỌN CHUYÊN NGÀNH GÌ TẠI NHÓM 6 TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC CÔNG NGHỆ TRẺ NHẤT NƯỚC ÚC – AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY NETWORK OF UNIVERSITIES (ATN)
Công nghệ luôn đi cùng tuổi trẻ và sáng tạo, nếu bạn đam mê công nghệ và yêu nước Úc trẻ trung, năng động thì ATN là lựa chọn hoàn…
Thẳng tiến TOP UNI Anh quốc cùng INTO UK
Anh Quốc là cái nôi học thuật tạo nên 10% nhà lãnh đạo nổi tiếng thế giới. Đó là cựu tổng thống Mỹ Bill Clinton, Thủ tướng Anh David Cameron,…